The Swearing of Oath of Allegiance ceremony for members of the African diaspora who have become Ghanaian citizens was held yesterday in Accra, marking a significant moment in Ghana’s continued efforts to strengthen ties with Africans across the world.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening engagement with the diaspora while acknowledging the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade. She emphasized Ghana’s call for the international community to formally recognize the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President John Dramani Mahama is leading diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to secure official recognition of this historic injustice, describing the move as an important step toward truth, remembrance, and justice.
The ceremony also marked the naturalization of members of the African diaspora as citizens of Ghana. Officials described the event as more than a legal process, highlighting it as a powerful moment of reconnection, healing, and restoration for descendants of Africans who were forcibly displaced during the Middle Passage.
Speakers at the ceremony also reflected on Ghana’s long-standing relationship with the African diaspora, a vision rooted in the ideals of Ghana’s founding President, Kwame Nkrumah. When Ghana gained independence in 1957, the country sought not only freedom for its people but also hope and opportunity for Africans and people of African descent around the world.
Government officials noted that the African diaspora remains a significant source of talent, knowledge, innovation, and economic strength, contributing billions of dollars to African economies annually through remittances, investments, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
As part of efforts to deepen this relationship, Ghana is implementing a comprehensive diaspora engagement policy aimed at turning historical connections into practical partnerships. The policy seeks to create pathways for diaspora investment, expand entrepreneurship opportunities, strengthen cultural exchange, and encourage participation in education, innovation, tourism, and national development.
Addressing the newly naturalized citizens, the Vice President encouraged them to embrace the responsibilities that come with their new nationality and to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development and the shared future of Africa and its diaspora.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of citizenship certificates, as the Government of Ghana formally welcomed the new citizens home.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
